Friday, February 6, 2009

The Holiday Cocktail Lounge is crowded tonight with regulars and well-wishers come to remember Stefan. A sign on the door announces his funeral service on Monday and all are welcome to attend at St. George's Church:

I spoke to a friend of the family who is helping to run the bar and asked their plans. He said, "We have to keep Stefan's spirit alive."

Are they going to change anything? He said, "Of course not. Why would you? Look at the place. It's perfect."

So with great relief I'm pleased to report it sounds like the Holiday will live on with no changes greater than "a spit and polish." For example, they recently retiled the bathrooms.

I'm so saddened, I can't begin to tell you. I found out last night when I saw the announcement taped to the door. It's hitting me now. I just don't want to believe it.

A few months ago, I was reminiscing with Steph about the regulars that I used to drink with. I said, "Steph, what ever happened to such and such?"He waved his hands and said, "Dead! All dead!" I had to laugh.

I'm going to miss sitting next to Steph. I'm going to miss Steph. My condolences to his sons, and to Lynn. They bumped heads occasionally, but she loved him very much.David

God, I'm always late to the game. And why don't my stupid friends update their damn Facebook "status" with this kind of news. I'm far away from home. }}}sigh{{{

So sad to hear this. RIP Stefan. I'm very happy to have been entertained, yelled at & serenaded by you. You were a true New York character. The kind that I long for. The kind that won't let me leave NYC.